Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The trident, symbolizing sea power, denotes DDG 72ís warfare capabilities and underscores the importance of a strong Navy. The gauntlet and torch are adapted from the previous USS MAHANís emblem and highlight the shipís namesake, Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, as the father of all modern navies. The tines of the trident represent the three previous ships named MAHAN, as well as the Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Enlisted Corps of personnel which man the ship.

The Crest:

The central star commemorates the second USS MAHANís World War II battle honors (five battle stars), earned before she was sunk by Kamikazes. The twelve small stars on the gauntlet denote the battle stars of the third USS MAHAN for service in the Vietnam War. The unfurled scroll underscores Mahan as the author of "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1660-1783)". The compass rose and gauntlet represent Mahanís influence of sea power, its strategy and geopolitical importance worldwide. The wreath combines laurel and palm to symbolize honor and victory.

The Motto:

The motto was chosen in remembrance of Admiral Arleigh Burke in memory of his many contributions to the U.S. Navy. During the commissioning of the USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51), Admiral Burke issued the following challenge to those who man this class of ship: "This ship is built to fight; youíd better know how."

The ship is named in honor of Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, USN (1840-1914) who served with the union's blockading squadrons during the Civil War, and for two terms as President of the Naval War College. Admiral Mahan is a renowned U.S. Naval theoretician and is best known as the author of the book "Influence of Sea Power on History", which with his other scholarly works, continues to influence strategic and geopolitical thinking throughout the world.

The photos below were taken by me on June 16 and 17, 2007, and show the MAHAN during a port visit to Kiel, Germany, after her participation in BALTOPS 2007 in the Baltic Sea.

The photos below were taken by me and show the MAHAN at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 29, 2010.

The photos below were taken by me and show the MAHAN at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on May 6, 2012.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the MAHAN undergoing a Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA) at BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Norfolk, Va., on April 29, 2015.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the MAHAN at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 6, 2015.

The photo below was taken by Steven Collingwood and shows the MAHAN passing Fort Monroe, Hampton, Va., after departure from Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on December 4, 2015.

The photos below were taken by Steven Collingwood and show the MAHAN passing Fort Monroe, Hampton, Va., after departure from Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on January 11, 2016.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the MAHAN at Naval Base Norfolk, Va., on October 4, 2017.

The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning and shows the MAHAN at Marine Hydraulics Industries (MHI) Ship Repair & Services shipyard in Norfolk, Va., for a Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) on September 21, 2018.